The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is pivoting to a rule-based approach for cryptocurrency regulation, marking a significant shift in policy. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, during a recent roundtable, emphasized
The world of technology, closely watched by the cryptocurrency community for its ripple effects on innovation and market trends, is seeing a significant development. OpenAI’s massive plan for a sprawling US-based AI supercomputing network, codenamed OpenAI Stargate , is reportedly running into substantial roadblocks. This project, envisioned as a cornerstone of future AI infrastructure , is facing unexpected delays, primarily attributed to rising expenses driven by tariffs. Why is the OpenAI Stargate Project Facing Trouble? Bloomberg reports indicate that the ambitious OpenAI Stargate data center project, aimed at significantly expanding AI capabilities, is experiencing setbacks. The core issue appears to be economic uncertainty and market volatility. These factors are making potential investors, including banks, private equity firms, and asset managers, hesitant to commit the necessary capital. The project intends to raise up to $500 million initially for building out AI infrastructure both within the United States and internationally. However, the current economic climate, coupled with increasing competition offering cheaper AI services, is dampening investor enthusiasm for such large-scale, capital-intensive ventures. How Do Tariffs Impact AI Infrastructure Costs? A major contributing factor to the delays is the potential increase in construction expenses. Tariffs can significantly inflate the cost of building large data centers. According to an analysis by TD Cowen cited by Bloomberg, hiked prices on essential components like server racks, cooling systems, chips, and other hardware could lead to overall build cost increases ranging from 5% to 15% on average. This substantial rise in data center costs directly impacts the financial viability and appeal of projects like Stargate. The uncertainty surrounding these tariff-related costs makes financial modeling difficult and increases the perceived risk for investors. Large-scale infrastructure projects require precise cost estimations, and tariff volatility introduces a significant variable that can erode potential returns. What’s the Status of SoftBank Investment and Investor Confidence? Even key partners seem affected by the uncertainty. SoftBank, which had previously indicated a commitment to contribute significant capital to Stargate back in January, has reportedly not yet finalized a financing structure or begun detailed discussions with prospective backers. This delay in the expected SoftBank investment signals caution from a major player and likely reflects the broader investor wariness in the current economic climate. Investors are also reportedly concerned about the possibility of market overcapacity. As Bloomberg notes, major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon have already begun adjusting their own data center strategies, in some cases scaling back or delaying construction projects. This trend suggests a potential cooling in the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, further contributing to investor caution regarding a massive new undertaking like Stargate. The combination of rising data center costs due to tariffs, market volatility, competition from cheaper AI services, and concerns about overcapacity creates a challenging environment for securing the substantial funding required for the OpenAI Stargate project. This situation highlights how macroeconomic factors and trade policies can directly tariffs impact AI development at the most fundamental level – the physical infrastructure it relies upon. Conclusion: Stargate’s Rocky Start OpenAI’s vision for the Stargate project, a monumental leap in AI computing power, is facing significant hurdles early on. The combination of rising data center costs exacerbated by tariffs, a cautious investment climate, and concerns about market saturation is reportedly slowing down progress. While the project’s long-term fate remains to be seen, these initial struggles underscore the complex economic realities that even the most ambitious technology initiatives must navigate. The successful securing of SoftBank investment and other funding will be crucial for the project to move forward and build the vital AI infrastructure needed for future advancements. To learn more about the latest AI market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI infrastructure institutional adoption.
The Trump-tied Bitcoin mining company is going public.
Crypto exchange Coinbase will begin trading on the S&P 500 next week. Traders are celebrating the news, with the price rising after hours.
In a significant shift within the stablecoin landscape, the total supply of USDT issued on the TRON blockchain (TRC-20) has officially surpassed the supply on the Ethereum blockchain (ERC-20) for the first time ever. This milestone, highlighted by crypto market analyst Maartunn via CryptoQuant on X, shows TRON’s TRC-20 USDT supply hitting an impressive $73.8 billion, while Ethereum’s ERC-20 USDT supply stands slightly lower at $71.9 billion. Why is TRON USDT Gaining Ground? This flip in USDT supply isn’t just a random occurrence; it reflects evolving user preferences and the strategic advantages offered by the TRON network for stablecoin transactions. Several factors contribute to the growing preference for TRON USDT over its Ethereum counterpart: Lower Transaction Fees: This is arguably the biggest driver. Transacting TRC-20 USDT is significantly cheaper than transacting ERC-20 USDT due to TRON’s different consensus mechanism and network architecture. Users save substantial amounts on gas fees, especially for frequent or smaller transactions. Faster Transaction Speeds: TRON generally offers quicker transaction finality compared to Ethereum, leading to a smoother and faster user experience for sending and receiving USDT. Accessibility and Adoption: TRON has made strategic efforts to foster stablecoin usage, particularly in regions where micro-transactions and cost-efficiency are paramount. Many exchanges and platforms now heavily support TRC-20 deposits and withdrawals. Network Effects: As more users and platforms adopt TRC-20 USDT, the network effect grows, making it even more convenient and widely accepted. Comparing TRC-20 and ERC-20 USDT While both represent the same underlying asset – Tether’s US dollar-pegged stablecoin – their implementation on different blockchains leads to distinct user experiences. Here’s a quick comparison: Feature TRC-20 USDT (TRON) ERC-20 USDT (Ethereum) Blockchain TRON Ethereum Transaction Fees Very Low (often fractions of a cent) Variable, can be High (depending on network congestion) Transaction Speed Generally Faster Can be Slower during congestion Smart Contract Compatibility TRON dApps Ethereum dApps (DeFi, NFTs, etc.) Ecosystem Focus Stablecoin transfers, some dApps Extensive DeFi, NFTs, dApps Historical Dominance Growing Rapidly Previously Dominant, Now Second The table highlights the core difference: cost and speed. For simple value transfer using USDT, TRC-20 offers a compelling advantage. Implications of the Flipping: What Does This Mean? The shift in USDT supply from Ethereum to TRON has several implications for the broader crypto ecosystem: Validation for TRON: It validates TRON’s strategy focusing on high throughput and low-cost transactions, particularly for stablecoins. Pressure on Ethereum: While Ethereum remains dominant in DeFi and NFTs, losing the top spot for the most widely used stablecoin version puts pressure on the network, especially concerning its high gas fees before widespread adoption of Layer 2 scaling solutions. User Behavior Insight: It clearly indicates that for the primary function of a stablecoin – acting as a digital dollar for transfers and trading – users prioritize low fees and speed over Ethereum’s extensive smart contract ecosystem. Exchange and Platform Adaptation: Exchanges and wallets must continue to robustly support both versions, but the increased volume on TRON might influence default options or promotional activities. Navigating the Shift: Actionable Insights for Users As TRON USDT continues its prominence, here are some actionable insights: Check Network Fees: Always compare withdrawal/deposit fees for USDT on exchanges between TRC-20 and ERC-20. TRC-20 is almost always cheaper for simple transfers. Verify Network Compatibility: Ensure the receiving wallet or platform supports the network you are sending on (TRC-20 or ERC-20). Sending USDT on the wrong network will likely result in lost funds. Consider Use Case: If you’re interacting with Ethereum-based DeFi protocols, you will need ERC-20 USDT. If you’re simply sending USDT between exchanges or wallets for trading or holding, TRC-20 is often more cost-effective. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on network congestion on both chains, as this can affect speeds and fees, although TRON’s fee structure is more predictable than Ethereum’s variable gas prices. This flipping event is a clear signal of market dynamics at play. While Ethereum laid the groundwork for stablecoins with ERC-20, the demand for cheaper, faster transactions has propelled TRC-20 to the forefront of USDT supply . Conclusion: A New Era for USDT Dominance? The moment TRON USDT surpassed Ethereum USDT marks a significant turning point. It underscores the importance of transaction costs and speed for mass stablecoin adoption and usage. While Ethereum’s ecosystem depth is unmatched, TRON has carved out a crucial niche as the go-to network for efficient USDT transfers. This shift isn’t necessarily a defeat for Ethereum, but a clear indication that different blockchains serve different primary purposes effectively. For stablecoin users prioritizing cost and speed, TRON’s appeal is undeniable, cementing its position as a major player in the stablecoin landscape. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping USDT supply distribution and future predictions.
Bitcoin is trading above the $104,000 level after posting its second-highest weekly close in history, reinforcing the strength of the current uptrend. The bullish momentum has been building steadily over the past few weeks, with price surging aggressively after reclaiming both the $90K and $100K psychological levels. This marks a significant shift in sentiment after months of consolidation and market hesitation. According to data from CryptoQuant, the Fear and Greed Index has started to rise significantly, reflecting growing optimism among Bitcoin investors. While sentiment is clearly leaning bullish, the index still remains well below the euphoric “overload” zone, suggesting there’s more room for upside before reaching overheated conditions. This combination of strong price action and controlled sentiment could indicate a sustainable rally rather than a speculative blow-off. As Bitcoin holds above key resistance zones, analysts and investors are beginning to focus on the all-time high near $109K as the next major target. The recent move has also energized the broader crypto market, with altcoins gaining strength alongside Bitcoin. As momentum builds , the market appears poised to enter a new phase of expansion, fueled by renewed confidence and capital inflows. Momentum Builds As Bitcoin Eyes $109K All-Time High Bitcoin is entering a critical week as bulls set their sights on the $109,000 all-time high. After months of heavy selling pressure and widespread market doubt, the leading cryptocurrency has surged back into the spotlight, trading just below the $105,000 mark. This level now acts as immediate resistance and could become a major pivot in the coming sessions. If bulls manage to push through this barrier, a breakout into uncharted territory would be imminent. However, if selling pressure intensifies around this zone, Bitcoin could face a period of consolidation or retracement before making another attempt. Market sentiment has notably improved, as highlighted by top analyst Axel Adler. According to Adler’s insights , the current average values of the Fear and Greed Index are climbing steadily, signaling a rise in investor confidence. Importantly, the index remains far from extreme greed territory, which suggests that optimism is building but not yet overheated — a constructive sign for a sustainable rally. Further fueling the positive outlook are macro developments. Sunday’s negotiations between Washington and Beijing brought a sense of relief to global markets, contributing to the broader upswing. With geopolitical tensions easing and Bitcoin holding its ground near multi-month highs, the setup for another leg higher is taking shape. BTC Faces A Critical Test Near All-Time Highs Bitcoin is trading above $104,000, following the second-highest weekly close in its history. After reclaiming the $90K level in late April, the price surged aggressively and now hovers just below the all-time high (ATH) zone. This weekly chart shows clear momentum, with BTC pushing through key resistance zones with high volume and conviction. However, price is now directly testing the same range that marked the top earlier this year—between $104K and $105.7K. This zone is crucial. If bulls can push above this level and close the weekly candle near or above the current all-time high, it would likely confirm the long-term uptrend. Such a breakout would put BTC in price discovery, potentially triggering momentum-driven buying and institutional inflows. On the other hand, if Bitcoin stalls or retraces from here, it could signal a short-term exhaustion and possibly a correction toward the $100K–$103K support zone. Volume trends and market sentiment remain favorable, especially with declining exchange balances and rising investor optimism. However, a confirmed weekly breakout above the ATH remains the ultimate confirmation for the next macro leg up. All eyes are now on whether BTC can make history with a new all-time high this week. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView
Ki Young Ju, CEO of Cryptoquant, states that due to upcoming regulations, dark stablecoins—an alternative not under government control—will rise as people use them for large international transfers and other use cases that may invite scrutiny. Cryptoquant CEO Predicts Rise of ‘Dark Stablecoins’ in Face of Upcoming Regulation The increasing relevance of stablecoins and the
According to Onchain data, a cryptocurrency wallet belonging to the developers behind the Binance-affiliated BSC network purchased $75,000 worth of SKYAI tokens. The organization’s token has an average purchase price of $0.04634. At the time of writing, it is trading at $0.05021, up 11% in the last 24 hours. The current market value of the token running on the BSC network is around $50 million. However, the token is not listed on Binance. Related News: Exchange Analysts Reveal: Bitcoin Bull Is Back - Here's the Report Interestingly, SKYAI has become the largest asset held by the BSC Foundation, surpassing the Test (TST) token, which was also promoted in the past by Changpeng Zhao, founder of cryptocurrency exchange Binance. The total amount of SKYAI held by the foundation is $2.16 million, which is approximately $109,000. Other altcoins held by the foundation include TST worth $47,000, MUBARAK worth $35,000, and BROCCOLI worth $29,000. It is noteworthy that all of these tokens are cryptocurrencies that Binance founder CZ once mentioned as names. In addition, the BSC Foundation has also purchased AIOT tokens in the past. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Onchain Data Shows BSC Foundation Has Started Accumulating This Altcoin – It Has Become Its Largest Holding
According to the latest developments reported by Bloomberg, Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, is preparing to join the S&P 500. The S&P 500 (Standard & Poor's 500) is a market-cap weighted stock index that measures the performance of the 500 largest publicly traded companies traded on the United States stock exchange. It is one of the most followed indicators for investors to track the overall health of the U.S. economy and stock market performance. In order for a company to be included in the S&P 500 index, it must meet certain strict conditions set by S&P Dow Jones Indices. First, the company must be headquartered in the United States and be an American-based company. It is also generally expected to have a market capitalization of at least $15 billion; this threshold may be updated over time. Related News: What Will Happen to the Bitcoin (BTC) Price Going Forward? Analysts Share Their Short-Term Expectations The company’s stock must be highly liquid, meaning it trades regularly and in large volumes. The free float is also important; at least 50 percent of the shares must be in free float. From a financial perspective, the company must have a positive net income in the last four quarters. In addition, these shares must be traded on major U.S. exchanges such as the NYSE, NASDAQ, or Cboe. Companies that meet these criteria are regularly monitored and evaluated by the S&P Dow Jones Indices team. If a company is deemed suitable, it may be added to the list by the committee during the removal of another company from the index or during routine updates of the index. When a change decision is made, this information is usually made public a few days in advance. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: BREAKING: Major Positive Development for Coinbase! Joining the S&P 500 – Here Are the Details
Excitement is brewing in the crypto market as KAS and SUI exhibit promising trends. Recent chart movements hint at an imminent surge, catching the eye of traders. The potential for a breakout has analysts and investors watching closely. Could these coins be on the cusp of a significant rally? Dive in to uncover the signs pointing to their growth. Kaspa's Short-Term Surge Amid Longer-Term Adjustment Kaspa experienced a strong one-month gain of 67.70% alongside an impressive one-week jump of 39.73%, while the past six months saw a modest decline of 8.25%. The price history shows sharp short-term momentum that contrasts with the longer period's slight drop. Bullish bursts have driven quick gains, though the longer view hints at adjustments in price behavior. Currently, the coin trades between $0.059 and $0.115 with a key resistance near $0.140 and support around $0.027. The RSI of 73 suggests near overbought territory, leaving the trend somewhat unclear. Traders might watch for a break above $0.140 to fuel further gains or a bounce from 0.027 for value entry. Sui Price Update: Surge in Momentum Amid Key Levels Last month saw Sui nearly double its value with a striking 91.33% increase, while the six-month change stands at roughly 30%. The one-week gain reached around 27.55%, emphasizing dynamic short-term spikes. Price activity points to energetic movement with a clear emphasis on upward momentum during recent trading sessions. The current trading range sits between $2.19 and $4.35, with the nearest resistance at $5.19 and a critical support level near $0.88. Bulls seem to be steering the coin given the high RSI of 73.07, though caution is advised due to potential overbought conditions. A strategy might involve buying near the support while watching for a move toward resistance. Conclusion KAS and SUI show strong potential for continued growth. Both coins have formed patterns that hint at a possible breakout. The indicators suggest rising momentum and increasing interest. If the trend continues, those invested could see positive returns. This developing situation positions KAS and SUI as key players in the market. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.